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Through the duration of the past three years, many
painstaking efforts and pleas to the city have been
made for the improvement of the formerly-named "10th
Street Park" between Rensselaer and Hoosick streets
in North Central Troy, virtually the only public playground
serving the many young people living on Eighth, Ninth
and 10th streets.
And up to this point, these actions seemed to have been
frivolous. But many say "every cloud has a silver
lining," although in our case, every community
has their devoted city officials, community representatives,
and concerned citizens.
From what I remember from my past, the park has been
in horrible shape, but somehow we managed to get by
and appreciate what we had. There used to be swings,
seesaws, a merry-go-round, a slide, monkey bars and
a basketball court. But after a while most of the equipment
became too rusted and dangerous, therefore requiring
removal. And now all we are left with is a slide, a
smaller merry-go-round than before, the same monkey
bars, and a poor excuse for a basketball court.
Most days there is a lake in the middle of the court,
since it takes days for the rainwater that collects
in the dip in the middle to dry. But with the help of
Kevin Pryor, a devoted and well-known, hard-working
resident, the steps to being heard were gaining momentum.
The Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (TRIP)
has also played a very major role in the reconstruction
of the park.
And, local residents, such as Maurice Branch and Chevis
Terry, have helped in every way they could in making
it a better park for future generations to enjoy.
We can certainly use all the help we can get at this
critical time in the rebuilding process. And even down
to the age 8, we have young citizens willing to provide
their share of help.
Which brings us toJune 2003. Plans for the park have
been made, actions have been taken, and the goals have
been set. The park is in the beginning stages of the
reconstruction and renovation process. Now, all there
is left to do is hope for the best, keep faith and remain
committed to the project at hand.
And after Saturday's Block Party, or as some say "the
baby shower for the park," many have high expectations
for what is soon to come. In the spirit of renewal,
we have given the park a new name, decided at our Block
Party by election (results unavailable at presstime).
Drawings were shown about the possibilities, including
new equipment, picnic tables and grills.
And a very special thanks to Marie Cristal from JAMZ,
96.3 FM, for her participation at our Block Party. (And
if you're wondering, the music was bangin'.)
Although the journey for a better alternative for children
has been a long and strenuous one, we can always reflect
and see what we have come from and appreciate the efforts
of one another to help us take those steps to get where
we are today. And it wouldn't be morally right if I
didn't take this opportunity to thank the many that
have participated in this neighborhood reinvestment.
The partners who have really made this possible include
TRIP, City Hall (and in particular Community Police
and Department of Public Works), North Central Weed
and Seed, Commission on Economic Opportunity (which
is donating equipment) and most importantly, the residents
who have been caring enough to turn what is currently
shambles into what we hope will become truly one of
Troy's Treasures.
This column was written by Tyrell Pryor, 18-year-old,
and Maurice Branch, 17-year old, neighborhood residents
and playground revitalization leaders.
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